Reading Rainbow & Kickstarter: A Winning Combo

“Butterfly in the Sky, I can go twice as high…,” make it an even million times and we have a deal! Reading Rainbow, the beloved PBS program that ran from 1983-2009, has gained new life. And it’s all because of “viewers (or Kickstarters) like you.”

LeVar Burton, the show’s executive producer and host, turned to Kickstarter to fund a web-based version of the wildly popular children’s show. Originally scheduled to end on July 2, it took less than 12 hours to exceed its $1 million goal. Burton quickly took to Facebook to thank contributors for bringing Reading Rainbow to a whole new generation.

Reading Rainbow’s Lasting Legacy

You know what’s great? People are STILL giving. Nearly 32,000 backers have pledged almost $1.5 million, and the campaign still has 34 days to go! If you are late to the game, you can also get in on the Reading Rainbow schwag. The show is offering unique pledge rewards, including show memorabilia, special trips and the big one: the honor of wearing Burton’s original “Geordi La Forge” visor from Star Trek: The Next Generation, while you and a friend have dinner with him.

The all-new Reading Rainbow will continue with the show’s classic formula: a featured book read by a famous person; Burton exploring interesting places, people, professions and perspectives and children sharing their book reviews.

However, there will be one major and necessary change: a free, full-scale curriculum designed for underprivileged schools across the United States. Approximately 25% of all American children will grow up without the ability to read. Burton and his team believe the potent combination of the show and learning material will make a major difference in the lives of children.

This campaign, and the public’s response to it, screams good. Since people are still very much engaged with it, the total money raised will only build and further show some much deserved love to Reading Rainbow – you can “take my word for it.”